Hungary

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Hungary is a landlocked country in central Europe, which borders with no fewer than seven countries: Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria. The country is mostly flat, with low mountains in the north.

The most important sectors of Hungary’s economy in 2014 were industry (26.4 %), wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (18.5 %) and public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (17.5 %).

Hungary’s main export partners are Germany, Austria and Romania while its main import partners are Germany, Austria and Russia.

Capital: Budapest

Geographical size: 93 024 km2

Population: 9 879 000 (2014)

Population as % of total EU population: 1.9 % (2014)

GDP: € 97.948 billion (2013)

Official EU language(s): Hungarian

Political system: parliamentary republic

EU member country since: 1 May 2004

Seats in the European Parliament: 21

Currency: Hungarian Forint HUF

Schengen area member? Yes, Schengen Area member since 21 December 2007.

Hungary in the EU

European Parliament

Council of the EU

In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the Hungarian government, depending on the policy area being addressed.

Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Council of the EU doesn't have a permanent, single-person president (like e.g. the Commission or Parliament). Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months.

During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in each policy area, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions.

European Economic & Social Committee

Hungary has 12 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee. This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in member countries.

Committee of the Regions

Hungary has 12 representatives on the Committee of the Regions, the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU.

Permanent representation to the EU

Hungary also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels. As Hungary's "embassy to the EU", its main task is to ensure that the country's interests and policies are pursued as effectively as possible in the EU.

Budgets and Funding

How much does Hungary contribute and receive?

Member countries' financial contributions to the EU budget are shared fairly, according to means. The larger your country's economy, the more it pays – and vice versa. The EU budget doesn't aim to redistribute wealth, but rather to focus on the needs of all Europeans as a whole.